Mulberry Creek Elementary first graders welcomed meteorologist Derek Kinkade for a special lesson on weather forecasting and reporting, and MCE had the honor of being his first school visit of the year!

The visit gave students a firsthand look at how meteorologists observe weather conditions, make forecasts, and communicate that information to others. It was a perfect real-world connection for MCE’s first graders, who already have an important weather-reporting job of their own.

Each day, first-grade students work alongside MCE’s fourth-grade news team to provide the weather report for the school’s morning announcements.

The experience also connected directly to MCE’s schoolwide STEAM learning as students investigate the guiding question, “How does weather affect our gardens?”

Students are exploring how factors such as temperature, rainfall, sunlight, and changing weather conditions influence plant growth and the environment around them.

Thank you to Derek Kinkade for taking the time to share his expertise with our students and for helping our young Cougars see how the science they are learning at school connects to the world around them!

Watch the FULL story here on WTVM!
https://www.wtvm.com/video/2026/09/01/derek-visits-1st-graders-mulberry-creek-elementary-school/

The 2026 – 2027 school year is off to a wonderful start! Kinetic Credit Union is proud to recognize Lacey Rabon of Park Elementary School as a Golden Apple Award recipient.

Rabon’s dedication to her students and commitment to creating a positive learning environment make her a wonderful example of the difference educators make every day.

Nominated by two people, Rabon’s steadfast support is recognized. One wrote, “Mrs. Rabon truly loves what she does and is passionate about providing exceptional care to her students. She provides education for students who have highly complex medical needs. She ensures that each student receives the accommodations they need while also providing the highest level of learning possible for each student at their individual level.”

Another wrote, “She’s sweet, goes above and beyond for her students, and provides the kind care that special needs students require.”

Joining Rabon for the special recognition were Dr. Allyson Douthit, Park Elementary School Principal; Mr. Phillip Johnson, Special Education Director; Mrs. Amanda Theus, Special Education Program Specialist; Mr. Cameron Martz, School Psychologist; Ms. Denise Killough, School Psychologist and Special Education paraprofessionals Mrs. Sarah Beth King and Mrs. Sanghee Hassin.

Watch the full video on WRBL. CLICK HERE

Today, the Harris County Retired Teachers Association welcomed Mr. Michael Barden, Superintendent of Harris County Schools, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the future of education in Harris County.

Mr. Barden shared his journey from the corporate world to the classroom and ultimately into educational leadership. Throughout his remarks, one message remained clear: education is about relationships, high expectations, and doing what is best for students.

Drawing from 27 years in education—as a teacher, coach, principal, district leader, and now superintendent—Mr. Barden reflected on the educators and mentors who helped shape his career and the students whose lives continue to remind him why this work matters. He also spoke about his deep connection to Harris County, where his family has lived for more than two decades and where his children have attended our schools.

It was especially meaningful to share these reflections with retired educators who devoted their own careers to serving generations of students. Their legacy continues in our classrooms and throughout our community.

Mr. Barden also discussed opportunities to continue supporting Harris County students, including scholarships and ways our retired educators can remain engaged in the important work happening across the district.

Thank you to the Harris County Retired Teachers Association for the warm welcome, continued partnership, and lifelong commitment to education. Once an educator, always an educator!

#HarrisCountySchools #ExcellenceInEducation #HarrisCounty #RetiredEducators #CommunityPartnership #StudentsFirst

🏆 THIRD IN THE NATION! 🏆

Congratulations to our outstanding Technology Student Association (TSA) students for an incredible performance on the national stage!

This summer, Tessa Geven, Nolan Markert, Riley Markert, Taylor Smith, and Addison White, along with TSA sponsors Ryan Miller, Katie Sizemore, and Paul Markert, represented our school community at the 48th National TSA Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

Competing against students from across the country, the team earned an impressive 3rd place in the nation in Animatronics! 🇺🇸

The Animatronics competition challenges students to apply their knowledge of mechanical and control systems to create an animatronic device with a specific purpose, incorporating elements such as sound, lighting, and an appropriate surrounding environment.

More than 9,500 middle and high school TSA members and other attendees gathered June 22–26 for the national conference, where students participated in STEM competitions, leadership activities, and career-development opportunities.

We are incredibly proud of these students for their creativity, technical skills, teamwork, and dedication. Congratulations on bringing home a national top-three finish! 🎉

#TSA #TechnologyStudentAssociation #STEM #Animatronics #NationalTSA #StudentSuccess

We’re Passing the Phone… Because Attendance Matters!

Harris County School District is kicking off the 2026–2027 school year with one important message: Every Day Matters. Every Student Matters.

From school to school, we’re passing the phone across our district to remind students that showing up each day means more opportunities to learn, connect, grow, and succeed.

Watch our Attendance Matters: Pass the Phone Challenge and see how our schools and district team are coming together to encourage every student to SHOW UP, STAY ENGAGED, and MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!

Now… let’s pass the phone! 📱✨